Godolphin trainer James Cummings would like to see the Turnbull Stakes run at a solid tempo to give Alegron his chance of another 2000m success.
Alegron registered a victory in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on September 17 and steps up to Group 1 level for the Turnbull Stakes over the same trip at Flemington on Saturday.
Flemington is a track where Alegron and his rider Damien Oliver have combined for success together, taking home the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) in April.
The Turnbull is a different test for Alegron however, but Cummings said the four-year-old was in good form and the race was an ideal steppingstone for 2400m further down the track.
Alegron is entered for the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup in which he has 53kg in both races whilst he is 12th in the Order of Entry into each race.
“He was a beautiful winner at set-weights and penalties at Randwick,” Cummings told RacingHQ.
“There was a very solid pace there and he enjoyed that given he’s got such a good record over further, but it played to his favour.
“He’s at 2000 metres again, a bit below his peak distance, but if it’s another good staying test with only 54.5 kilos at set-weights and penalties he’s again well-weighted in the race.
“Not quite as well weighted as Gold Trip who has the superior rating but doesn’t have the Group wins to his name to carry the penalties.
“He’s going to run a good race and keep building in his campaign as he gets up to a mile-and-a-half and we were delighted to see the horse win the Kingston Town last time.
“He’s open to further improvement and it’s enough to make us a little excited about what a promising campaign he might have ahead of him.”
